Twitter & Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry, a very talented person.

A great actor and comedian, Steven Fry shared a few words about Twitter on Brisbane Times. He is not one to deny the power of “Twitter” and reveals that he was using it long before it gained its immense popularity. Myself, however, am still new to Twitter having only joined for this course. Although I have not used it much this semester, I have found a lot of its uses while working for my assessment. This new knowledge is certainly urging me to use the social networking site.

 Fry frequently "twitters" from his iphone.

Fry has always been fascinated with new, modern technology, being the second person in the UK to purchase a Macintosh. He slowly uncovered the power and strength of Twitter a few years ago. While packing for Africa, he noted he had 7000 followers. When he arrived to his destination, he was shocked to find he now had 22000 followers. The number of people on Twitter increases each minute, and each are finding use for this website.

Fry shares that he is happy to do interviews that are filmed. However, he is completely against print journalists. He says that Twitter is the cause of this. With him being able to communicate with his 3.3million followers, he has no use for someone to scramble down his words. He feels that print journalists cannot capture his words and may intentionally twist them around. I feel as if past experience may be speaking more here than actual facts. Print journalists, I believe, are like any other – ready to serve the public for a good cause. He feels that celebrities Twitter accounts have allowed them a new relationship with their fans. This is both a good and bad thing for journalists. Twitter allows journalists to use Twitter to find news about celebrities that they can print on newspapers. However, Twitter is allowing less need of interviews (print) as they themselves can convey their own words to their people. 

Fry's Twitter account.

I have realised that there are two sides to Twitter. It can used to provide news to people with speed and directness. However, it can also be false and misleading. Fry has also shown a way it is reducing the need of print journalists. 
I am still undecided overall about Twitter. Perhaps I should just use it more and watch my addiction to site increase to the point of my Facebook addiction. 

Sources of images used (in order of appearance)

• http://www.geekosystem.com/stephen-fry-mycroft-sherlock-holmes/ 
• http://www.digital-digest.com/blog/DVDGuy/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/stephen_fry.jpg
• http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyid=201640

Lecture 7: Commercial Media

This week's lecture focused on Commercial Media, whose channels I watch quite regularly. I learnt many new things and have now realised I really should watch more channels by Public media.

The Australian Media Landscape includes both Commercial Media and Public Media. Commercial Media includes TV channels: Nine, Seven, Ten, Go!, 7Mate, etc. Public media includes TV channels such as: ABC, SBS, ABC2, SBS2, etc. Having not watched either ABC or SBS for an extended period, I can see from here that commercial media does influence me.

T.V channels in Australia, including commercial and public media.
Source: http://www.throng.com.au/digital-tv/full-digital-tv-service-regional-and-remote-australia

Commercial Media exists because it can make money through advertising. It is made to produce profits and it not government funded. It relies on it success as a business to survive, hence it strives to meet the audience's needs for this.

Fairfax Media is a form of digital commercial news.
Source: http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=8767

Commercial media includes:

• newspapers
• cable TV
• film
• magazines
• books 
• sports
• digital media
• free to air TV
• events
• radio
• tele-comms

Commercial media comes in 3 different forms: subscription, sponsored and subsidised. Its function is to be: commercial, propaganda, social. However, commercial media does have a responsibility towards society and must fulfill certain criteria.

Do you think commercial media achieves this? Are they providing us what is best for our society?

In my honest opinion, I think commercial media has steered away from this and more towards profit driving. Their increasing number of advertisements shows this. However, I must say that the lengths of ads on our tvs are much less than other countries. It has becoming more about keeping the audience than keeping the audience informed about the important stuff. However, there are government controls over commercial media, who first evaluate the content.

Ten News is commercial media.
Source: http://jmaced.net/2010/10/up-to-a-point-lord-packer/

Results of this type of media has shown:

• dumbing down
• tabloidisation
• "desire to please"
• "Mickey Mouse" news

Yet there is hope. For commercial media to continue it needs to introduce: better quality, more competition, more customers to digital forms and paywalls. Ahh... Paywalls again - I do think that although we will be reluctant at first, it will help keep Journalism alive.

From this weeks reading, "Commercial free-to-air" I learnt that the news values for commercial media differ to public media. It seems that the audience is more interested in locality, transport, community and education. These things are stuff that are personally relevant to them. International affairs must sometimes be looked over to give more time to these "turn ons". It was also interesting to note that the average news bulletin is only 19 minutes, after all the advirtisements.

TV advertisements, they are everywhere.
Source: http://www.webdragon.com.au/main-site/welcome/
waxaway-takes-television-commercial-online;storyId,6259

This raises a few questions. Should the audience drive the news or the new drive the audience? For commercial media to survive, I believe it has to be the audience. I just hope that the audience will be more willing to listen to more global issues.

Quantas has grounded all flights!

Alan Joyce, the chief Executive of Quantas Airways.

 This morning, as I went to check my daily news on "Brisbane Times", I found that Quantas had suspended all their flights! This was a shocking move by Alan Joyce, the Quantas chief executive. It seems that although his reign over Quantas has delivered great success in the past, he also brings a certain harsh face. His uncompromising attack on the union clearly shows this. He has reported that he will ground all the flights until the the industrial action was finished. For a airline that is representing Australia, people have begun to speculate whether Joyce understands this country's values. I know from experience, that our society shows respect for others, especially in terms of fairness and partners. Joyce has argued that for Quantas to remain its place as Australia's favoured airline, it needs immediate changes.

Quantas has always strived to represent Australia. 

However, my concerns are for those poor passengers. They have just been informed that their flights are cancelled and may have to remain in another country for at least a week longer than intended. I know for a fact that travelling around the world is not cheap. Airfares are quite expensive, regardless where you're travelling. Even if Joyce is saying he is providing accommodation for those passengers, who is going to pay for them missing work?? These people will most likely have jobs, and by missing their work from Joyce's actions, they are not getting paid!! I cant even begin to imagine the feeling when a flight is cancelled. Hundreds or even thousands of people have probably missed an important event or meeting!! Quantas used to represent many family values and great service - so how is any of this exemplifying this?? For Joyce to overlook the needs of thousands of people does not show any of what Quantas' values. I just hope these passengers can find a safe way home!

Sources for images used (in order of appearance)

• http://www.couriermail.com.au/travel/future-of-qantas-in-jeopardy-joyce/story-e6freqwf-1226063728740
• http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-photo/exploring_tobi/1/1268572889/quantas-a380.jpg/tpod.html

Lecture 6: Web News

This week's lecture focused on the digital aspect of news reporting - the Internet. It is safe to assume that the Internet is one of the greatest ways in which news can spread. I know, that each morning I use "Facebook" or "Brisbane Times", both online websites that can give me the daily news. Our increasing reliance on these digital forms of information means that Journalism must quickly adapt to them. 

The Internet has certainly transformed how news is presented.
Source: http://mbawrites.com/mba/5-tips-to-ace-online-cat-2011-simple-but-important/

These new technology presents itself a new language that we are slowly adapting to. 
It hard to deny the impact the Internet has had on our lives. In his book, "Case Studies of Communication Campaigns using Web 2.0", John Harrison showed that social network sites have around 4 million new users each month. The internet has allowed us to do so many new things - post our opinions, create blogs, chat with people around the world and so much more. The main thing about the internet is its ability to connect people with each other. For this reason, journalists need to allow a more easier and quicker access to news. 

The Internet is introducing new forms of communication.
Source: http://seleani.com/yahaho/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/web-2-3-evolution.jpg

Web Iterations
Old media, or "traditional media", are referred to the news mediums used from the industrial paradigm. They include newspapers, magazines, radio and television. New media refers to the applications created on the world wide web. Two iterations of the Internet have been created, and a third is soon to be released. 

Has the Internet replaced old media?
Source: http://onlinebusiness.volusion.com/articles/old-versus-new-media

Web 1.0, the "information web", provided specialised information and was generally viewed as a tool of printed and televised media. Web 2.0, the "social web", introduced the interactivity between users and also promoted user-generated content. This form included less advertisements and relied more on networking, live chat, and mobile applications. Skype, Facebook and Twitter are just a few examples of how Web 2 really did change the world. In fact, when did you last check Facebook?? I think web 2 also increased citizen journalism and this reliance on "real" people to provide "real" information. With many national disasters and crisis, like the Japan earthquakes or the London riots, so much news has been provided by people themselves through these social networking sites. It has certainly changed how news is presented, but I don't necessarily think its replacing the traditional forms of news reporting, like newspapers and television. I view it as another tool for us to gain more access to information and interactivity with others. Web 3.0, the "semantic web" involves a more personalised view of the world. From suggestions to the nearest shop or related items to our shopping, Web 3.0 promotes our individuality. It also introduces "metatagging". 

All forms of Internet allows a vast amount of ways to interact with others.
Source:http://wgraziadei.home.comcast.net/~wgraziadei/Webolution.html

Implications to news reporting?
What does all this mean to journalism?? All of these internet forms introduce new ways in which news can be delivered to the audience. With upcoming Web 3.0, news will include:

• hyperlocalisation
• specific content delivery
• personalised news
• more specific advertising
• less lack of "general knowledge"

During this lecture we learnt a valuable lesson to the cost of internet. We were given jelly beans (which were so delicious!) but then they were taken away from us, unless we paid money. This is what is happening on the Internet. With news being so easily accessible online, we will soon have to pay for it for journalism to continue. The introduction of a "Paywall" can be seen on "The Times" website. This membership allows access to more specialised content and other privileges. However, there still remains a large amount of other websites still delivering free news online. I do believe that a paywall is a good idea for journalists, but the increasing costs could become problematic for the public. 

But it was free!! Will we have to pay for online news?
Source: http://www.mediaspy.org/report/2010/11/20/paywalls-coming-to-australia-news-corp-confirms/

This lecture raised some serious issues with the Internet and the news. I think that Web 3.0 is a brilliant way for people to not only connect but receive personalised information. The news online has become a necessity to my life - I am always accessing news sites for more world affairs. The immediacy and different forms (videos or pictures or articles) makes it so easy for me to understand and become more interested. The paywall is a good idea for newspapers, but I just hope they are not too expensive!
 

All different ways to have a conversation. Amazing.
Source: http://flatclassroom10-1.flatclassroomproject.org/Web+2.0

Is Twitter enhancing Citizen Journalism??

JOUR1111: Annotated Bibliography

Twitter is a social media website that is becoming increasingly popular, with around 50 million “tweets” a day (Murthy, 2011). This annotated bibliography will discuss how Twitter has enhanced citizen journalism. The information has been presented through four different types of medium. Overall, it has been found that the average person’s opinion can influence others, including political affairs.

Murthy, D. (2011). Twitter: Microphone for the masses?.Media, Culture & Society, 33(5), 779-789. doi: 10.1177/0163443711404744

In this article, Dhiraj Murthy, an academic from the Bowdoin College, discussed whether Twitter promoted citizen journalism. He explored how ordinary people were able to produce breaking news and its effect on traditional media. Murthy discussed the Mumbai bomb blasts in 2008 and the downed US airplane in 2009. During these events, people used Twitter to deliver vital information before the news crew arrived. He also explored the Twitter’s drawbacks, where individuals misled the public with false information. Murthy explained that as an online application, Twitter produces a digital divide; so marginalised populations cannot access it, limiting the mass of people Twitter can connect with. Murthy provided a diverse view of Twitter by considering advantages and disadvantages of the application, removing any bias. He deduced that Twitter did not replace other mediums but traditional media could use as a tool. He concluded that “Twittering” people could only transform into citizen journalists for a limited time. However, below are many examples where Twitter has created a huge chain of responses affecting the world. Although the individuals may remain unknown, it cannot be denied that they succeeded in the most basic aspect of journalism – providing the public with news.

Bowring, R. (Performer), & Olander, E. (Performer) (2011). Bin laden's death marks

'twitter moment' [Television series episode]. In de Pouzilhac, A. (Executive Producer), Tech 24. France: France 24, International News 24/7. Retrieved from http://www.france24.com/en/20110504-2011-05-04-twitter-moment-facebook-osama-bin-laden-obl-obama-internet

 The digital news website, “Tech 24” is a public-funded holding company, offering more specific and succinct news. The hosts Rebecca Bowring and Eric Olander discussed how Twitter was the first to confirm Osama Bin Laden’s death. The report showed credibility by providing a critical glance at Twitter’s social impact rather than promoting the website. It exemplified how an ordinary person could use Twitter to report a significant event, producing an international response and enhancing citizen journalism. Olander reported an overall 39 million “tweets” regarding Bin Laden’s Death. This supports Murthy’s article, as both show Twitter’s ability to connect and inform a mass of people. Olander explained how Twitter does not replace other news mediums but complements each other. Bowring discussed the dangers of Twitter, as a viral photo of Bin Laden was false. This highlighted Murthy’s perspective, that Twitter should not be the sole source of news, as its users are not always honest. However, Bowring acknowledged that the fake photo was corrected through Twitter, which allowed it to amend itself. This feature challenges Murthy’s view, as he did not consider this. This allows Twitter to be more accessible if it is able to verify for its false reports.

Koval, R. (Performer) (2011). Colum lynch on twitter in reporting revolutions [Radio

series episode]. In Barraud, A. (Executive Producer), The Book Show. Australia: ABC Radio National. Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/rn/bookshow/stories/2011/3146238.htm

Romana Koval presented the ABC radio program, “The Book Show” and interviewed Colum Lynch, a journalist for Washington Post. The interview focused on the political implications for Twitter. They discussed Twitter’s role in Libya, as activists were using it to protest for Colonel Gaddafi’s resignation. Lynch used Twitter to retrieve translations of Gaddafi’s speeches rather than from television reports. This highlights his reliance on citizen journalists to inform him on such significant events where information was not easily accessible. Like the above reports, this demonstrates how Twitter allows easy access to information when other medias are restricted. As a form of public media, ABC is considered as the head of Australian news. Lynch’s use of recent examples of political affairs to support his arguments illustrated the report’s reliability. However, as Lynch favoured Twitter he focused more on the positive aspects, although he did indicate the risks of Twitter with the posting of false information. Nevertheless, Lynch illustrated the impact of citizen journalism, as many governments were now creating Twitter accounts. This signifies their effort to engage with a wider audience and provide their own perspective. Murthy did not discuss the political implications, however this suggests that Twitter can influence politics. 

Grossman, L. (2009, June 17). Iran protests: Twitter, the medium of the movement read more. TIME. Retrieved from http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1905125,00.html

In this online TIME article, Lev Grossman discussed how Twitter was being used for the protests in Iran. Grossman described Twitter delayed an update so Iranian protesters could post their tweets. This highlighted how influential the average person’s opinion could be, using Twitter. Like Murthy and Koval, Grossman found Twitter to be an easy application, allowing information to spread quickly and to a great range of people. Grossman then explained how this effect caused Iranian authorities to control this movement. This demonstrated how ordinary people were using Twitter to impact so many lives that the government had to interfere, which supports Lynch’s view above. However, Grossman also addressed the risks of Twitter and false information could be posted. TIME is considered to be a reputable news magazine, and its articles aim to provide intelligent and accurate reports. Grossman provided a critical outlook of Twitter in Iran as he examined both the positive and negative implications. As a written medium, Grossman was also able to provide certain tweets to help demonstrate his arguments, making it more credible for his readers. However, unlike Murthy, Grossman posed crucial questions to how Twitter could oppose government and cause a change. 

References

Bowring, R. (Performer), & Olander, E. (Performer) (2011). Bin laden's death marks

'twitter moment' [Television series episode]. In de Pouzilhac, A. (Executive Producer), Tech 24. France: France 24, International News 24/7. Retrieved from http://www.france24.com/en/20110504-2011-05-04-twitter-moment-facebook-osama-bin-laden-obl-obama-internet

Grossman, L. (2009, June 17). Iran protests: Twitter, the medium of the movement

read more. TIME. Retrieved from http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1905125,00.html

Koval, R. (Performer) (2011). Colum lynch on twitter in reporting revolutions [Radio

series episode]. In Barraud, A. (Executive Producer), The Book Show. Australia: ABC Radio National. Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/rn/bookshow/stories/2011/3146238.htm

Murthy, D. (2011). Twitter: Microphone for the masses?.Media, Culture &

Society, 33(5), 779-789. doi: 10.1177/0163443711404744

Lecture 5: The importance of Ethics

Source: http://accident-injurylawyers.blogspot.com/2011/04/ethicsand-your-case-pt-1.html

From Psychology, I know that Ethics is a very important matter when conducting studies, so it was interesting to see how other disciplines take Ethics into concern as well. This week, John Harrison delivered the lecture and began with a series of advertisements. We were required to rate these according to taste (good or bad) and ethics (ethical or unethical). I found it quite interesting to see how some advertisements could be ethical but in bad taste. It was amazing to see how everybody's opinion differed. It also raised the significance of how advertisements should be more aware of  ethical conduct.

An example of unethical advertising.
Source: http://imagesusa.wordpress.com/2010/03/11/vintage-ad-series-sexism/

There are three ethical theories:

• Deontology - is about following rules, principles and duties
• Consequentialism - is about the "right" outcome rather than the process
• Virtue - good habits like courage, justice and prudence

Deontology is about following rules to do the right things, and it used in practice by journalists. I think it is proper for journalists to use this because it means that if they follow these rules, they always striving to be ethical. Also if they are asked questioned about their ethical conduct, it should be easy to show their process of maintaining information. The Ten Commandments are an example of deontological values.

Consequentialism regards how the outcome of matter is more important than the process of retrieving it. I personally do not favor this, because the process of anything is always important. It reminds me of "For the greater good". From the books I've read and movies I've watched, nothing good ever comes from that. Utilitarianism is an example of this principle.

Virtue follows the good habits which are the "golden mean" of behaviour. This strives for moral behaviour rather than following certain rules (deontology). It focuses on the internal aspect than actions.

The responsibilities of journalists are numerous.
Source: http://www.axessjournalism.com/Event/View/the-future-of-journalism

From these theories, many ethical codes have been created, such as:

• MEAA Code
• PRIA Code
• AFA Code
• AANA Code

Each of these codes come with their own values and principles to practice. However, it is the MEAA code that Journalism uses. The MEAA stands for values like: honesty, fairness, independence and respect for the rights of others. I must say these are qualities that are important for all journalists and hope that all journalists do try and use these. This quote appropriately describes what MEAA is about:

"Respect for truth and the public's right to information are fundamental principles of journalism. Journalists describe society to itself. They convey information, ideas and opinions, a privileged role. They search, disclose, record, question, entertain, suggest and remember. They inform citizens and animate democracy. They give a practical form to freedom of expression. Many journalists work in private enterprise, but all have these public responsibilities. They scrutinise power, but also exercise it, and should be accountable. Accountability engenders trust. Without trust, journalists do not fulfill their public responsibilities."

from: http://www.australian-news.com.au/codethics.htm

Source: http://www.rsrevision.com/Alevel/ethics/kant/index.htm

 I believe that ethics should be taken very seriously, especially in Journalism. When I read a story, I always consider how they were able to get the information, especially since recent dramas (phone hacking). Journalists have their duties to their reader, and if they cannot perform these - how can we believe their stories? 

However, there are some downsides to these codes. For the MEAA, you can actually just resign to avoid certain matters (like jurisdiction). So this brings up the question - What is the point of having these codes??

That is a very serious question, and I hope that we have these codes so people may follow them to produce stories the right way.

A story of Durga Puja in Brisbane

JOUR1111: Factual Storytelling Exercise

Here is a video I made, depicting the greatest Bengali festival – Durga Puja. This festival celebrates Durga’s victory of defeating the demon and restoring balance to the world. This year, Durga puja was celebrated at Aspley state school from 30^th September to 2^nd October .

The images from first half of the video are from international sources (cited below), but the rest were taken by me last week.

I hope you enjoy the video and feel the happiness that we experienced on this joyous occasion.  

The photographs of the Durga Puja in Brisbane were taken by me,
                       Bala, S. (Photographer). (2011). Durga Puja in Brisbane. [Photgraphs].

References:

Durga Puja A [Photograph]. (2007). Retrieved October 3, 2011, from:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Durga_Puja_A.JPG

Durga Puja in Cologne [Photograph]. (2009). Retrieved October 3, 2011, from: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Durga-puja-koln-2009-1.JPG

Rosenkranz, M. (Photographer). (2008). Durga Puja in Kolkata [Photograph], Retrieved October 3, 2011, from: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Durga_Puja_in_Kolkata,_2008.jpg

[Untitled image of Durga slaying the demon]. Retrieved from October 3, 2011,
from: http://www.info-sikh.com/PageDurga.html

[Untitled photograph of crowd with Durga idol in water]. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from:http://hinduism.about.com/od/durgapuja/ig/Durga-Puja-Gallery/durgapuja14.htm

[Untitled photograph of crowd in boats]. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from:http://hinduism.about.com/od/durgapuja/ig/Durga-Puja-Gallery/durgapuja13.htm

[Untitled photograph of crowd with Durga idol]. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from:http://hinduism.about.com/od/durgapuja/ig/Durga-Puja-Gallery/durgapuja9.htm

[Untitled photograph of Durga idol in boat]. Retrieved October 2, 2011,
from:http://hinduism.about.com/od/durgapuja/ig/Durga-Puja-Gallery/durgapuja15.htm

[Untitled image of Durga and the demon]. Retrieved October 3, 2011,
from:http://enchantingkerala.org/gallery/displayimage.php?album=84&pos=32

[Untitled image of Durga]. Retrieved October 3, 2011,
from: http://chokherbaliblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/durga-puja-durgotsab.html

[Untitled image of Durga’s face]. Retrieved October 3, 2011,
from:http://indiagoddess.blogspot.com/2010/09/goddess-durga-mantras.html